JACKSONVILLE – The defending National Arena League Champion Jacksonville Sharks announced their 2018 schedule today. This year marks the ninth season for the Sharks and second season with the National Arena League. The 2018 schedule fits a April to August window with a postseason format that will result in two first-round playoff games, followed by a bye week before the NAL championship game, which is scheduled to fit the time frame of August 25-27.

The Sharks will begin the 2018 season on the road against the expansion Carolina Cobras on Saturday, April 7th at 7 p.m. in Greensboro, North Carolina. The Sharks home opener is set for Saturday, April 14th against the Massachusetts Pirates, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Arena. The Sharks are slated for eight total homes games, with the final regular season home game against the Massachusetts Pirates Saturday, July 28 at 7 p.m. The Sharks will also have eight away games including two aways games against rival Columbus Lions, who the Sharks defeated in the National Arena League Championship Game last season. During the regular season the Sharks will have two bye weeks, with their first in Week 10 and their last in Week 15.

The Sharks will have their final road game and final game of the regular season against the Maine Mammoths on Saturday, August 4th at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, Maine. The new schedule will allow the Sharks to play every NAL team at least twice this season before entering the postseason.

A list of Jacksonville’s full 2018 schedule is below, though dates and times are subject to change and theme nights to be announced at a later date. All times listed are Eastern Standard Time.

Jacksonville Sharks 2018 Schedule

Week 1: at Carolina (Saturday, April 7, 7:00 p.m.)

Week 2: Massachusetts (Saturday, April 14, 7:00 p.m.)

Week 3: at Columbus (Sunday, April 22, 7:00 p.m.)

Week 4: Carolina (Saturday, April 28, 7:00 p.m.)

Week 5: at Maine (Sunday, May 6, 4:25 p.m.)

Week 6: Lehigh Valley (Saturday, May 12, 7:00 p.m.)

Week 7: Maine (Saturday, May 19, 7:00 p.m.)

Week 8: at Massachusetts (Saturday, May 26, 7:00 p.m.)

Week 9: Columbus (Saturday June 2, 7:00 p.m.)

Week 10: at Carolina (Saturday, June 9, 7:00 p.m.)

Week 11: Bye

Week 12: Maine (Saturday, June 23, 7:00 p.m.)

Week 13: at Lehigh Valley (Saturday, June 30, 7:00 p.m.)

Week 14: at Columbus (Saturday, July 7, 7:00 p.m.)

Week 15: Bye

Week 16: Columbus (Saturday July 21, 7 p.m.)

Week 17: Massachusetts (Saturday July 28, 7 p.m.)

Week 18: at Maine (Saturday August 4, 7 p.m.)

About the Jacksonville Sharks

The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the National Arena League (NAL). The 2017 NAL Champions and ArenaBowl XXIV Champions and play all home games at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Sharks Nation Memberships for the 2018 season are now available. Shark Nation Memberships start as low as $150. To become a Shark Nation member or for more information please call (904) 621-0700. Follow the Sharks on facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter and Instagram @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumsharks.